27 of the Most Eye-Popping Cargo Aircraft Ever Built

They are the grey eminences of aviation. They are doing what they have to do without any ado. We hardly notice them when we take a flight from A to B. However, cargo aircraft can be as interesting and special as fighter planes or passenger aircraft. We are going to prove this.

The Hughes H-4 Hercules (also known as the "Spruce Goose") – United States – heavy transport aircraft prototype (1 built) – 1947 – 8 × Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major radial engines – loaded weight: 180,000 kg – This is the largest flying boat ever built and it has the largest wingspan of any aircraft in history.

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy – United States – USAF strategic airlifter – 1968 – 4 × General Electric TF39-GE-1C high-bypass turbofan – 172,370 kg – 122,470 kg – One of the largest military aircraft in the world used to move vehicles and equipment.

Top photo: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Super Guppy. The awkwardly shaped aircraft is specifically designed to carry oversized payloads and has been in service since August 1965. – Tech. Sgt. Christine Jones/U.S. Air Force